Tree Removal and Replacement Ordinance
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has mandated that all municipalities adopt a tree removal and replacement ordinance. This pertains to all trees in the borough including those on private property. Trees play a vital role in helping to manage the heavier rainfalls we have been experiencing due to climate change. A single, large, mature tree drinks as much as 500 gallons of water per day. Anytime a tree is removed, it creates more groundwater that will contribute to flooding so it is extremely important that we protect our trees. The borough has introduced Ordinance 1184, Tree Removal and Replacement in Chapter 95, Property Maintenance, in the Borough Code. This ordinance will be considered for adoption following a public hearing to be held during the June 11, 2024, council meeting. This ordinance establishes the requirement that any tree to be removed will require a permit. There is no fee for the permit however the tree will have to be replaced and if the tree has a diameter breast height of 13” or more, it will have to be replaced with two trees. Trees with diameter breast height of 23” or greater will have to be replaced with three trees. If you cannot replace the tree on your property, you can deposit funds of $200 per tree with the borough and we will plant the new trees at another location in the borough. The full details of this program are spelled out in the ordinance. To view the full ordinance, click here.
